If you wanted to get on the Middle Fork of the Salmon, Main Salmon, or even Selway river this year, but didn’t pull a permit, don’t despair. You have another option- spring boating!
Spring boating has a lot to offer – spring flowers, long days, higher flows than Fall, fewer people. So much to love!
Take a look at the options below. These are by no means the only trips available, they’re just the ones we get asked about most often. Have a different idea? We love those. Give us a call and we’ll see what we can work out.
Raft/Kayak Trips
The Impassable Canyon is impressive any time of year. This is a spectacular trip if you just have a few days to scratch the wilderness boating itch.
Approximately 31 Miles | Best for Rafts, Kayaks
Pre-Trip
- Drive to Salmon
- Either shuttle your own rig, or make sure River Shuttles or Blackadar Boating can shuttle it for you.
Day One
- 7am: Meet us at Lemhi County Airport
- Load and fly to Bernard, be there by noon
- Rig and Launch
Day Two
- Boat and explore the canyon!
- Boat out to Cache Bar to pick up your shuttled rig.
In spring, water is cold. Water levels can change quickly. Weather can be sunny and 75, or it could snow on you. Be prepared, check conditions, know your own limits, and make good decisions!
Float the lower 75 miles of the Middle Fork with spring flowers and spring flows. Catch some hotsprings, some side hikes, and miles of Wild and Scenic whitewater.
Approximately 75 Miles | Best for Rafts, Kayaks
Pre-Trip
- Drive to Salmon
- Either shuttle your own rig, or make sure River Shuttles or Blackadar Boating can shuttle it for you.
Day One
- 7am: Meet us at Lemhi County Airport
- Load and fly to Indian Creek, be there by noon
- Rig and Launch (or launch the next day)
Days Two-Four
- Boat and explore the canyon!
- Boat out to Cache Bar to pick up your shuttled rig.
In spring, water is cold. Water levels can change quickly. Weather can be sunny and 75, or it could snow on you. Be prepared, check conditions, know your own limits, and make good decisions!
How many trips let you boat around 130 river miles without having to run a shuttle? Launch from Corn Creek, boat the Main to Wilson Bar. Then, fly with Gem Air to either Indian Creek (or Bernard, for a shorter Middle Fork experience) and boat the Middle Fork back to your car.
Approximately 130 River Miles | Best for Rafts, Kayaks
Pre-Trip
- Drive to Salmon
- Either shuttle your own rig, or make sure River Shuttles or Blackadar Boating can shuttle it for you.
Day One
- 7am: Meet us at Lemhi County Airport
- Load and fly to Bernard, be there by noon
- Rig and Launch
Day Two
- Boat and explore the canyon!
- Boat out to Cache Bar to pick up your shuttled rig.
In spring, water is cold. Water levels can change quickly. Weather can be sunny and 75, or it could snow on you. Be prepared, check conditions, know your own limits, and make good decisions!
Float the lower 75 miles of the Middle Fork with spring flowers and spring flows. Catch some hotsprings, some side hikes, and miles of Wild and Scenic whitewater.
Approximately 75 Miles | Best for Rafts, Kayaks
Pre-Trip
- Drive to Salmon
- Either shuttle your own rig, or make sure River Shuttles or Blackadar Boating can shuttle it for you.
Day One
- 7am: Meet us at Lemhi County Airport
- Load and fly to Indian Creek, be there by noon
- Rig and Launch (or launch the next day)
Days Two-Four
- Boat and explore the canyon!
- Boat out to Cache Bar to pick up your shuttled rig.
In spring, water is cold. Water levels can change quickly. Weather can be sunny and 75, or it could snow on you. Be prepared, check conditions, know your own limits, and make good decisions!
Spring Main/Middle Combo
The idea:
Enjoy the major portion of two iconic Wild and Scenic Idaho rivers in one trip, and best of all? You start and end in the same spot.
Launch at Corn Creek on the Main Salmon.
Float 50+ miles to Wilson Bar on the Main Salmon.
Fly from Wilson Bar to either Indian Creek or Bernard on the Middle Fork of the Salmon, and boat back to Corn Creek on the Main.
Other Resources
Do you need to rent gear? Blackadar Boating can hook you up.
Do you need help with the shuttle? Blackadar Boating or River Shuttles can help you out.
Do you want help with your menu/food pack? Salmon River Food Packs has you covered.